Last weekend both Manicaland sides had byes, allowing for a resumption of the long-delayed 30-over local-league cricket. It was played at a surprisingly unkempt Mutare Sports Club - balls were frequently being lost a few metres off the playing surface. One boundary-board advertiser player was heard muttering darkly that his custom would go if the authorities were unable to maintain the boards.

On Saturday Hillcrest College destroyed Easterns by ten wickets and on Sunday Mutare Sports Club beat Casuals by 52 runs.

Bolstered by the late inclusion of five Odzi farmers found the previous night at Odzi Country Club pub, Mutare Sports Club enjoyed a rare day of superiority over their old rivals. Hitting 177 all out (Seth 75), MSC indulged themselves on standard Casuals hospitality - seven dropped catches and one missed stumping. Only La Rochele Hotel manager Simon Herring with three for 16 came away with integrity intact. With a touch of farmers-league chivalry one Odzi umpire reversed an lbw decision after noticing the appalled reaction of the batsman - leaving bemused Casuals fielders to contemplate an increasingly humid day. Casuals were easily dismissed for 125 with only Brian-William James (on a short visit from his hotel job in London) making 30. Nyanga builder Coby Summerfield took two for 16 and veteran Odzi sledger Bokkie Moolman two for 27.

Like all sectors of Zimbabwe's beleaguered society, the cricket community continues to lose numbers to emigration - including two Casuals players over the last few months. Steve Rigby (who also played for Manicaland for many years) has taken his family to St Albans, Hertfordshire, where he has found work in the security business. Ivan Truscott has moved to Dubbo in New South Wales where he has found farming work. With Premier Estates (the family farm at Old Umtali) reduced to a patchwork of plots and the homestead trashed by `settlers', the Truscotts lost hope and departed.

It's heartening therefore to see the developments at Odzi Country Club where a new cricket field is under construction. Inspired by their participation in the newly formed winter social league, the farmers are converting the old Autocross course at the club into a home venue for the upcoming season. Great care was taken by chief designer Loggie Slabbert to excavate a hole wide enough for two pitches and layer it with rocks, river sand and finally anthill to ensure good drainage. Suitable grass was brought in for the outfield, whilst Cape Royal turf was procured from Harare South golf course for the pitch.

Local farmer Philip Valentine has a tractor on permanent secondment to the ground. Outrageously they also intend encircling the ground with powerful lights, making it Zimbabwe's first day-night facility. They have no intention however of joining neighbours Makoni in the serious Lilthurbridge Cup `where people sulk if you drop a catch'. Instead they hope to attract touring sides and plan a tour of their own to Western Province in April to announce their arrival on the cricketing stage.

A story carried in last week's report needs correction. Jason Lewis was left out of the final Under-19 touring party to New Zealand. It is understood that he had merely been put on standby – not officially selected.

This Sunday Manicaland are due to play Mac Club from Bulawayo at Alex (Harare) whilst the second team play Alex II at Mutare Sports Club.

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